98
stanzas.
Then, with the early thornless flowers, fresh with the glistening dew,—
As emblem of their future road,—the wedded's path- way strew;
Oh! still, dew fresh, in either soul, live music, spring, and hope,
Nor much of care upon life's way, be their's wherewith to cope.
As emblem of their future road,—the wedded's path- way strew;
Oh! still, dew fresh, in either soul, live music, spring, and hope,
Nor much of care upon life's way, be their's wherewith to cope.
None would I wish, if such could be;—but oh! life's little span
Unchequered, to the passing foot, ne'er falls to lot of man,
But soft as spring-clouds shadows flit, o'er meads in light arrayed,
May every life-attending care prove but a fleeting shade.
Be their's all bliss which wedded love to noble hearts can bring;
No discord touch affection's lute, to wake one jarring string:
One heart, one home, one altar, long in love may they enjoy.
And every Heaven-sent happiness be their's without alloy.
Unchequered, to the passing foot, ne'er falls to lot of man,
But soft as spring-clouds shadows flit, o'er meads in light arrayed,
May every life-attending care prove but a fleeting shade.
Be their's all bliss which wedded love to noble hearts can bring;
No discord touch affection's lute, to wake one jarring string:
One heart, one home, one altar, long in love may they enjoy.
And every Heaven-sent happiness be their's without alloy.
Whilst wishes round the festive board flow warm in Burns's land,
Oh! bear them, bear them proudly on, ye waves, to Erin's strand;
Let Erin's daughters to receive the fair young bride come forth,
(For never trod their fertile shores more loveliness and worth),
Oh! bear them, bear them proudly on, ye waves, to Erin's strand;
Let Erin's daughters to receive the fair young bride come forth,
(For never trod their fertile shores more loveliness and worth),
